Cafe Oto from 2010 to 2025

Now we really do get to see what I call the Oto House Band - Pat Thomas on keys, John Edwards on double bass and Steve Noble on drums. In the trio Decoy, Alexander Hawkins replaces Pat Thomas and what a powerhouse they are, especially with the legendary Joe McPhee. We will see more of these characters in the next gallery. This selection opens with the most exciting jazz rock band ever seen at Oto - the Hedvig Mollestad Trio. There are no vocals, just searing rock guitar for an hour, what a pleasure. Also of note are two elderly masters, Martin Carthy and Trevor Watts, playing well into their eighties.

On a personal note, I was selected one night by Loré Lixenburg at random from the audience for an operatic grilling and proceeded to sing the praises of Cafe Oto in the best traditions of my improvising choir Musarc. I had to explain at the bar it had not been rehearsed!